Face Lift for Herald

Looks a bit different, eh?

The Herald is undergoing a face-lift courtesy of its new editor -- me! My Macintosh,brand-new scanner and love of graphics should spice up these pages with line art. Some of the artwork you will see has been drawn especially for The Herald by budding (non-gamer) artists. By the way, if you like the work of any of them, they can be contacted (and hired) through me.

The changes are more than cosmetic, though. New, regular columns should prove useful to us historical miniatures enthusiasts. One of these, "Parade Ground," will feature tips on painting/modellling/etc. from a variety of HMGS members. If you have any techniques or ideas that might help others, share it here. Parade Ground is essentially your column. The same goes for "From the Armorer's Forge," which will contain reviews of new miniatures, rules and resource books. If you have purchased something relatively new, feel free to jot down a quick review and send it for inclusion in the Forge.

I also want to encourage all Great Lakers to write an article for the Herald. Take notes during one of your next games and write a battle report. Do a playtest of that new set of rules you bought and give us your impression.

Do they work? Does the game flow smoothly and provide a "feel" for the period? Or jump on your soapbox and give us your opinion on a particular period, figure line, trend in gaming, or the state of historical miniatures in general. Just as Advance the Colors is the showpiece convention of HMGS Great Lakes, the Herald is our showpiece magazine. Others read it. We all know a con doesn't work unless members host events, just so a magazine won't if members don't pitch in and contribute articles.

I'd also appreciate feedback on the changes. Finally, I'd like to thank the Board for giving me this opportunity. Most of all, though, I want to thank Brian O'Leary for the job he did getting the Herald established. The first one "through the breach" has the toughest task. His fine, timely publication helped knit Great Lakes together. I believe he has done us a service that cannot be measured.